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Husband Wanted
Frannie Brisbane knew it was an impossible scheme, but unless she went through with it, the daughter she had given up thirteen years ago and who now wanted to visit, would discover that Frannie had painted a very different picture of her life in the letters they’d exchanged. Frannie’s close friends rally around her, and next thing she knows, she is living in a mansion and wearing designer clothes.
The only thing missing is a husband.
Confirmed bachelor, Clay Coleman, has ulterior motives when he agrees to play the role of loving husband, but Fannie, who nursed a crush on him for years, fears she is flirting with danger in their role of let’s pretend. But Fannie and Clay aren’t the only ones keeping secrets. Sooner or later, the truth comes out, exposing everyone involved. Can Frannie ever get past her hurt when she discovers the truth about Clay?
The only thing missing is a husband.
Confirmed bachelor, Clay Coleman, has ulterior motives when he agrees to play the role of loving husband, but Fannie, who nursed a crush on him for years, fears she is flirting with danger in their role of let’s pretend. But Fannie and Clay aren’t the only ones keeping secrets. Sooner or later, the truth comes out, exposing everyone involved. Can Frannie ever get past her hurt when she discovers the truth about Clay?
151 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 1995
81 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
Charlotte Hughes
68 books330 followersCharlotte Hughes published her first category romance in 1987, a Bantam Books’ Loveswept, titled Too Many Husbands, which immediately shot to #1 on the Waldenbooks Bestseller list. She went on to write almost thirty books before the line closed in 1998.
Although Charlotte is widely known for her laugh-out-loud romantic comedies, she went on to pen three Maggie-Award winning thrillers for Avon Books in the late nineties, before resuming her first love, funny stories about people falling in love. She thrilled readers with her hilarious books, A New Attitude and Hot Shot, the latter of which won the Waldenbooks Greatest Sales Growth Achievement in 2003.
Her books received so many accolades that she was invited to co-author the very popular Full House series with mega-star author Janet Evanovich.
With that series behind her, Charlotte began her own, starring psychologist Kate Holly; What Looks Like Crazy, Nutcase, and High Anxiety, creating a list of somewhat kooky but always loveable and funny ensemble characters.
Charlotte is currently launching Tall, Dark and Bad, starring Summer Pettigrew and bad boy Cooper Garrett. She is writing a series set in the Lowcountry that is a WIP.
www.readcharlottehughes.com or her blog at http://blog.readcharlottehughes.com"
Although Charlotte is widely known for her laugh-out-loud romantic comedies, she went on to pen three Maggie-Award winning thrillers for Avon Books in the late nineties, before resuming her first love, funny stories about people falling in love. She thrilled readers with her hilarious books, A New Attitude and Hot Shot, the latter of which won the Waldenbooks Greatest Sales Growth Achievement in 2003.
Her books received so many accolades that she was invited to co-author the very popular Full House series with mega-star author Janet Evanovich.
With that series behind her, Charlotte began her own, starring psychologist Kate Holly; What Looks Like Crazy, Nutcase, and High Anxiety, creating a list of somewhat kooky but always loveable and funny ensemble characters.
Charlotte is currently launching Tall, Dark and Bad, starring Summer Pettigrew and bad boy Cooper Garrett. She is writing a series set in the Lowcountry that is a WIP.
www.readcharlottehughes.com or her blog at http://blog.readcharlottehughes.com"
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
January 19, 2016
When Charlotte Hughes contacted me about a read request for Husband Wanted, I was excited to get started reading. I thought that the whole idea behind the book was interesting and something I had never read before and I was interested in a new experience.
Husband Wanted is a simple story about a woman (Frannie) who had given up her infant when she was a teenager and the novel follows Frannie through that first meeting when the child (Mandy) is 13 years old. The only problem is that Frannie has told Mandy a series of lies about her current life and Frannie has to live up to those lies now.
So that's the premise and like I said, this is a simple story. Even given the details of the book, nothing is too deep. That just guarantees you an easy read and something that you can easily pick up and put down if you've got your kiddos home with you all day. Which I did. So that was convenient. While the story was interesting, I just didn't find it engaging. I felt detached from the book the entire time I was reading it. Something was just ... missing ... and I'm not totally for sure what. I just couldn't find anything to connect to with the characters. I think that may be because the characters themselves, seemed one dimensional. I couldn't imagine them as real people. The moods that the characters would go through changed on a dime ... they were sad, then happy or angry, then laughing. Mood changes like that are absolutely normal. I have a 13 year old. We go through all emotions (quite loudly) just while putting on socks in the morning but the emotions from these characters just lacked ... authenticity, I guess. It wasn't believable. Ever. There were quite a few times in the book where the author had set up the perfect conflict within the story and I would get excited because that would add something spicy to them or even make them a little more gritty but then the scene would pass and nothing will have happened. It was quite unfortunate.
Then we get to the part that was just weird for me. Oh, this one is a doozy. I was scribbling paragraph after paragraph of notes in my Kindle on this one. Okay ... I'm just going to dive in ... romance novels these days have sex scenes. Well, unless you're reading a Christian romance and that one doesn't or it does and it's just very vague and simple. But this isn't touted as a Christian romance novel. The sex scene was literally ONE SENTENCE. One sentence?!? I had to reread it a few times and then read ahead because surely that wasn't it, was it? Oh, hell no! He entered her, they sighed and then climaxed?!? That was not word for word but it is what happened. I'm telling you, I would be pissed as hell if that happened in real life. There better be some more shit going on or I'm going to kick his ass to the curb! Geez. It felt almost as if the author was afraid and timid. Sex scenes don't have to be erotic or crass or vulgar ... they can be sweet and sensual and innocent ... but you've got to give at least 3 or 4 sentences to a sex scene if you're going to write a romance novel in 2016.
When I read a romance novel, I want to get swept up in it. I want to lose myself and totally live in the moment with the characters but unfortunately, it just didn't happen this time. I want the book to make me nudge my husband and give him a few notes to study before our next sexy time. I want the book to make me sigh or laugh or cry or get pissed ... anything. I want it to evoke some kind of emotion from me and this just was not the book to do that. Maybe I'm a little jaded and I've read too many raunchy romance novels lately. Who the heck knows but this one just didn't blow my skirt up and I wish that it had.
* I received this novel in exchange for an honest review *
Check out more of my reviews at Little Miss Bookmark!
September 25, 2017
I liked it. It was a lovely feel good story which I enjoyed reading in the sun. It had a couple of scenes that had me grinning. If you are looking for an afternoon of distraction, I could recommend it.
May 3, 2016
When I saw this book available for request, I was excited to read it because it sounded like it would be a fun and cute story. I liked the description and the cover.
I have picked this book up twice now, with a week and a few other books in between each time, and I just can't get into it. The biggest problem I have is that it is overly verbose, with way too much "telling" in too few pages, and all that exposition is repeated multiple times (She had a baby in high school that she gave up for adoption and the small town judged? Walter is a "womanizer" and is cheap? The town's called "Hanahan" and is in Georgia? Ya don't say... Oh wait, no, you do say, about 50 times over and over!). All of the unnecessary information given (and repeated information) really gets in the way of the story. I really didn't need to know exactly what was being eaten (toast with the crusts trimmed with butter, served on a plate... Is the fact the crusts are trimmed important?!) or exactly how Frannie knew Clay (she sat next to him in biology class her junior year of high school, but he never noticed her despite the fact that she had the biggest crush on him for years... Um, just leave it at "She had had the biggest crush on him throughout high school," perhaps?).
That, and the third person is just not working here. When writing from the third person, you shouldn't be writing as though all of the characters minds can be read, or describing things like "an elegant bun" or "gorgeous green eyes" or "She was looking at her compact mirror. Not that she needed to. She was beautiful." All of these adjectives feel too opinionated to be third person POV.
And a lot of the overly verbose details aren't very believable. Frannie's address had been written on the high school boys' bathroom wall in high school (in "magic marker," no less)? Seriously?
I skimmed quite a bit after about 10% and also found it odd the amount of detail given and then the complete lack of detail during the "sex scenes." The most detailed one has some undressing, then "He lifted his leg over her and entered her in one swift motion. They moved together and climaxed." (Paraphrasing, but it's pretty close to verbatim). Erm, I am not one to want hardcore erotica, but I don't understand why there are more words describing the breakfast served to a diner patron than to some of the romance happening between two characters we are supposed to believe are lusting for one another and falling in love.
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. My opinion is my own.
I have picked this book up twice now, with a week and a few other books in between each time, and I just can't get into it. The biggest problem I have is that it is overly verbose, with way too much "telling" in too few pages, and all that exposition is repeated multiple times (She had a baby in high school that she gave up for adoption and the small town judged? Walter is a "womanizer" and is cheap? The town's called "Hanahan" and is in Georgia? Ya don't say... Oh wait, no, you do say, about 50 times over and over!). All of the unnecessary information given (and repeated information) really gets in the way of the story. I really didn't need to know exactly what was being eaten (toast with the crusts trimmed with butter, served on a plate... Is the fact the crusts are trimmed important?!) or exactly how Frannie knew Clay (she sat next to him in biology class her junior year of high school, but he never noticed her despite the fact that she had the biggest crush on him for years... Um, just leave it at "She had had the biggest crush on him throughout high school," perhaps?).
That, and the third person is just not working here. When writing from the third person, you shouldn't be writing as though all of the characters minds can be read, or describing things like "an elegant bun" or "gorgeous green eyes" or "She was looking at her compact mirror. Not that she needed to. She was beautiful." All of these adjectives feel too opinionated to be third person POV.
And a lot of the overly verbose details aren't very believable. Frannie's address had been written on the high school boys' bathroom wall in high school (in "magic marker," no less)? Seriously?
I skimmed quite a bit after about 10% and also found it odd the amount of detail given and then the complete lack of detail during the "sex scenes." The most detailed one has some undressing, then "He lifted his leg over her and entered her in one swift motion. They moved together and climaxed." (Paraphrasing, but it's pretty close to verbatim). Erm, I am not one to want hardcore erotica, but I don't understand why there are more words describing the breakfast served to a diner patron than to some of the romance happening between two characters we are supposed to believe are lusting for one another and falling in love.
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. My opinion is my own.
October 19, 2021
Fannie Brisbane unse cu unt două felii mari de pâine prăjită, le tăie în opt părţi egale şi le aşeză pe un platou, între Gussie şi Ernestine Dempsey.
― Mulțumim, dragă, spuse sora cea mare. Niciodată nu uiţi ce ne place.
De aceea surorile Dempsey, ambele având în jur de şaptezeci de ani, preferau să meargă în fiecare dimineaţă la cinci străzi distanţă de locuinţa lor, ca să ia micul dejun la Griddle & Grill. Le mai plăcea acolo pentru că aflau ultimele bârfe şi ascultau horoscopul zilnic citit de zâmbitoarea Fannie.
Doar că astăzi, Fannie nu părea bine dispusa ca de obicei. Cearcănele de sub ochi o făceau să arate mai bătrână decât în realitate. Părul ei blond-roşcat, de obicei strâns într-un coc savant, atârna acum într-o coadă de cal banală. Nu se străduise nici măcar să se machieze cu fardul acela mov de pleoape, care-i punea în valoare verdele fantastic al ochilor.
Uniforma ei, de obicei curată, călcată şi apretată, acum părea o haină cumpărată la mâna a doua.
― Fannie, dragă, ce-i cu tine? întrebă Ernestine Dempsey, încruntându-şi cu îngrijorare faţa slăbuţă. Cred că nu te-am văzut niciodată într-un asemenea hal.
― Eşti cumva în perioada aceea a lunii? întrebă şoptit Gussie. Avem nişte apă tonică acasă. Ştiu că ajută. Sigur, are gust de terebentină, dar…
― De unde ştii, Guss? întrebă Ernestine întorcându-se spre sora sa. Când ai băut tu ultima oară terebentină?
― Eu ştiu ce are, interveni o altă femeie, pe un ton mieros.
Wilhmena Lightsey se ridică de pe scaunul de la capătul tejghelei, îşi aranjă coafura platinată, şi se îndreptă spre ele, legănându-şi şoldurile într-un mod scandalos. Din cauza acelui mers o bârfea toată lumea vizavi, la salonul de coafură Clip Joint. Wihelmina se aşeză lângă Gussie şi se aplecă înainte. Ciorapii ei în pătrăţele nu se potriveau deloc cu geaca din piele roşie şi nici cu fusta albastră, mult prea scurtă pentru perioada aceea a zilei. De fapt nimănui nu-i plăcea felul în care se îmbrăca ea.
― Pun pariu că ai stat toată noaptea să te uiţi la filme vechi, nu-i aşa, Fannie? întrebă ea holbându-se la surorile Dempsey.
― Nu-i adevărat, oftă Fannie scoţând din buzunar o foaie de hârtie împăturită.
― Ce-i asta? întrebă Wilhmena uimită.
― O scrisoare. Citește-o, spuse Fannie cu buze tremurânde.
Ernestine şi Gussie se apropiară de Wilhmena, în timp ce aceasta citea răspicat:
„Dragă Fannie, îţi mulţumesc pentru că mi-ai răspuns la ultima scrisoare. Parcă te cunosc de-o viaţă…”
Wilhmena făcu o pauză şi privind-o pe Fannie, întrebă: De la cine e?
― De la fiica mea, şopti ea.
― Fiica ta???
Ochii Wilhmenei păreau doua farfurioare perfect rotunde.
Gussie şi Ernestine făcură schimb de priviri. În apropiere, Hyram Bodine, un bărbat de vreo şaizeci şi cinci de ani, client fidel al localului Griddle & Grill, privi mica reuniune peste tava cu ouă fierte şi pâine prăjită. Un infarct care-l lovise în urmă cu şase luni, îl obligase să renunţe la omleta lui obişnuită, cu ceapă şi şuncă.
― Mulțumim, dragă, spuse sora cea mare. Niciodată nu uiţi ce ne place.
De aceea surorile Dempsey, ambele având în jur de şaptezeci de ani, preferau să meargă în fiecare dimineaţă la cinci străzi distanţă de locuinţa lor, ca să ia micul dejun la Griddle & Grill. Le mai plăcea acolo pentru că aflau ultimele bârfe şi ascultau horoscopul zilnic citit de zâmbitoarea Fannie.
Doar că astăzi, Fannie nu părea bine dispusa ca de obicei. Cearcănele de sub ochi o făceau să arate mai bătrână decât în realitate. Părul ei blond-roşcat, de obicei strâns într-un coc savant, atârna acum într-o coadă de cal banală. Nu se străduise nici măcar să se machieze cu fardul acela mov de pleoape, care-i punea în valoare verdele fantastic al ochilor.
Uniforma ei, de obicei curată, călcată şi apretată, acum părea o haină cumpărată la mâna a doua.
― Fannie, dragă, ce-i cu tine? întrebă Ernestine Dempsey, încruntându-şi cu îngrijorare faţa slăbuţă. Cred că nu te-am văzut niciodată într-un asemenea hal.
― Eşti cumva în perioada aceea a lunii? întrebă şoptit Gussie. Avem nişte apă tonică acasă. Ştiu că ajută. Sigur, are gust de terebentină, dar…
― De unde ştii, Guss? întrebă Ernestine întorcându-se spre sora sa. Când ai băut tu ultima oară terebentină?
― Eu ştiu ce are, interveni o altă femeie, pe un ton mieros.
Wilhmena Lightsey se ridică de pe scaunul de la capătul tejghelei, îşi aranjă coafura platinată, şi se îndreptă spre ele, legănându-şi şoldurile într-un mod scandalos. Din cauza acelui mers o bârfea toată lumea vizavi, la salonul de coafură Clip Joint. Wihelmina se aşeză lângă Gussie şi se aplecă înainte. Ciorapii ei în pătrăţele nu se potriveau deloc cu geaca din piele roşie şi nici cu fusta albastră, mult prea scurtă pentru perioada aceea a zilei. De fapt nimănui nu-i plăcea felul în care se îmbrăca ea.
― Pun pariu că ai stat toată noaptea să te uiţi la filme vechi, nu-i aşa, Fannie? întrebă ea holbându-se la surorile Dempsey.
― Nu-i adevărat, oftă Fannie scoţând din buzunar o foaie de hârtie împăturită.
― Ce-i asta? întrebă Wilhmena uimită.
― O scrisoare. Citește-o, spuse Fannie cu buze tremurânde.
Ernestine şi Gussie se apropiară de Wilhmena, în timp ce aceasta citea răspicat:
„Dragă Fannie, îţi mulţumesc pentru că mi-ai răspuns la ultima scrisoare. Parcă te cunosc de-o viaţă…”
Wilhmena făcu o pauză şi privind-o pe Fannie, întrebă: De la cine e?
― De la fiica mea, şopti ea.
― Fiica ta???
Ochii Wilhmenei păreau doua farfurioare perfect rotunde.
Gussie şi Ernestine făcură schimb de priviri. În apropiere, Hyram Bodine, un bărbat de vreo şaizeci şi cinci de ani, client fidel al localului Griddle & Grill, privi mica reuniune peste tava cu ouă fierte şi pâine prăjită. Un infarct care-l lovise în urmă cu şase luni, îl obligase să renunţe la omleta lui obişnuită, cu ceapă şi şuncă.
February 13, 2026
I love the writing of Charlotte Hughes. Her stories are easy to follow and have me laughing and crying the best kind to read. Frankie is a waitress at a diner in town and one of her regular customers is Walter. Walter is Clays father. Clay went to high school with Frannie. Clay knew Frannie had become pregnant in high school and given her child up. Mandy the child that was given up, now 13 had reached out to Frannie and was coming to meet her. Frannie had lied and said she had this wonderful life, was married and such. Walter offered his home and his son to pretend to be the husband. One thing lead to another and Clay and Frannie found love, and Frannie now has a relationship with her child.
June 13, 2019
Fun and Flirty
....but missing something. More like a fairy tale. Nothing wrong with that. More fluff than substance. Not a bad read. Also a quick read. A sequel could put some meat on these bones. 😊
....but missing something. More like a fairy tale. Nothing wrong with that. More fluff than substance. Not a bad read. Also a quick read. A sequel could put some meat on these bones. 😊
October 26, 2025
Excellent
This book has romance and comedy all in one. Mandy is a 13-yr old girl who has been adopted. Her adopted parents die in a car crash and she is reunited with her biological mom. This 13 yr old is very smart and clever to bring romance back in her mother’s life.
This book has romance and comedy all in one. Mandy is a 13-yr old girl who has been adopted. Her adopted parents die in a car crash and she is reunited with her biological mom. This 13 yr old is very smart and clever to bring romance back in her mother’s life.
November 1, 2017
Somewhat formulaic but carries you along. No surprises. Fairly consistent page turner.
February 5, 2022
Husband Wanted
A funny book that has hard headed people finally following their hearts. Kudos to a very scheming young lady. A well written modern day love story.
A funny book that has hard headed people finally following their hearts. Kudos to a very scheming young lady. A well written modern day love story.
December 11, 2022
I didn’t enjoy this book as much as other books I’ve read by this author. I felt that the relationship between the characters was too rushed and forced.
July 19, 2024
Great book
Romance at its finest. Enjoyable from beginning to end. Wish life could really work out this way. Need to read more of her books.
Romance at its finest. Enjoyable from beginning to end. Wish life could really work out this way. Need to read more of her books.
February 5, 2025
There is no explanation of the mom’s story in any depth, especially as to what she went through when she gave up her daughter for adoption. And these guys fell in love way too. Just lacked depth that I was expecting.
January 19, 2016
Husband Wanted by Charlotte Hughes is one fantastic read. Readers will love this romantic comedy. Charlotte Hughes never disappoint her readers. She knows exactly what they like and how to deliver it in the best ways. Humor...check. Romance...check. Inspirational...check. Highly sweet and enticing...double check! Husband Waned will intrigue readers from page one and keep them glued in until the very last page. I could not put this novel down at all. The only good news when I reached the last page, was knowing there were more novels written by Charlotte Hughes. Her novels will satisfy readers thirst for the best romantic comedies. This particular story will leave readers blushing, laughing out loud and feeling both surprised and happy at the ending.
Unlike others within its genre, Husband Wanted out does itself. Bringing readers a realistic yet higly believable tale that can actually happen in our world. The scenes come to life on every page with the charming characters that round out each other perfectly. A woman, who has gone through a tough and embrassing life style when younger, thought giving up her baby girl was for the best. Now, after having corressponded with her daughter, she is second guessing herself. Will her daughter like her or not? What is a woman to do especially, when she finds out that all the lies she told her daughter will have to happen asap? Frannie finds out that her daughter is comig to see her within days time. That puts Frannie on the spot. What happens next...and after that will keep readers coming back for more. Charlotte Hughes is clearly a telented writer whose work is always a must read for all. I don't know what would happen if I finished a novel and only to find that there wasn't another one to read afterwards. Overall, I loved reading Husband Wanted, and I highly recommend it to readers everywhere.
Unlike others within its genre, Husband Wanted out does itself. Bringing readers a realistic yet higly believable tale that can actually happen in our world. The scenes come to life on every page with the charming characters that round out each other perfectly. A woman, who has gone through a tough and embrassing life style when younger, thought giving up her baby girl was for the best. Now, after having corressponded with her daughter, she is second guessing herself. Will her daughter like her or not? What is a woman to do especially, when she finds out that all the lies she told her daughter will have to happen asap? Frannie finds out that her daughter is comig to see her within days time. That puts Frannie on the spot. What happens next...and after that will keep readers coming back for more. Charlotte Hughes is clearly a telented writer whose work is always a must read for all. I don't know what would happen if I finished a novel and only to find that there wasn't another one to read afterwards. Overall, I loved reading Husband Wanted, and I highly recommend it to readers everywhere.
February 25, 2016
Husband Wanted is a lighthearted romance story that follows Frannie Brisbane as she tries to keep her past secrets and lies hidden ... but in life, sooner or later the truth will eventually come out, but there also is a silver lining that can make everything turn out okay.
Thirteen years ago Frannie Brisbane gave up her baby daughter for adoption at birth. Now Frannie's daughter Mandie has found her and wants to reconnect. The only problem is that Frannie has created a fantasy life in the letters that she has exchanged with Mandie, so now she has to find a way to keep her lies a secret and keep her fantasy life going by finding a guy to fill the role as her rich husband ... enter confirmed bachelor Clay Coleman, who adds more complications to the already crazy situation that Frannie finds herself in!
Author Charlotte Hughes weaves an entertaining tale that is full of humor and romance. The reader is easily drawn into Frannie's story as she tries to deal with the complications from the fantasy life that she has created. From reconnecting with her daughter Mandie, to the uncovering of the secrets and lies, to the unexpected romance with Clay, Husband Wanted is a fun romantic story that will keep the reader engaged, in stitches, and with a smile on their face.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
Thirteen years ago Frannie Brisbane gave up her baby daughter for adoption at birth. Now Frannie's daughter Mandie has found her and wants to reconnect. The only problem is that Frannie has created a fantasy life in the letters that she has exchanged with Mandie, so now she has to find a way to keep her lies a secret and keep her fantasy life going by finding a guy to fill the role as her rich husband ... enter confirmed bachelor Clay Coleman, who adds more complications to the already crazy situation that Frannie finds herself in!
Author Charlotte Hughes weaves an entertaining tale that is full of humor and romance. The reader is easily drawn into Frannie's story as she tries to deal with the complications from the fantasy life that she has created. From reconnecting with her daughter Mandie, to the uncovering of the secrets and lies, to the unexpected romance with Clay, Husband Wanted is a fun romantic story that will keep the reader engaged, in stitches, and with a smile on their face.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
February 11, 2016
I received this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
This was my first book by Charlotte Hughes and I was pleasantly surprised. The story line was interesting and something intrigued me.
Frannie has had a hard knock life, her father left her when he found out her Mom was ill. Her mother’s illness thrust Frannie into the working world at a young age to support them. Her belief in love that wasn’t, found her pregnant and unable to care for a baby, thus she did the bravest thing and gave her child up to a life that she could not provide.
Years later Frannie’s daughter finds her and wants to meet. Frannie is ashamed of her life and tells her daughter of a life that doesn’t exist. Enter Clay who is bribed to help Frannie out by his father. But Clay is so much more yet even he doesn’t know it. There was something about the way that the author described Clay that made my heart flutter. Clay is confident, caring, passionate, and a diamond in the rough.
Will Frannie and Clay be more than a transaction and will the truth hurt them or set them free?
I found Charlotte Hughes to be light hearted read that had me laughing out loud and shaking my head at the characters. I enjoyed this read and at times wished for more of the story line to be shared. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a quick funny read with a HEA.
This was my first book by Charlotte Hughes and I was pleasantly surprised. The story line was interesting and something intrigued me.
Frannie has had a hard knock life, her father left her when he found out her Mom was ill. Her mother’s illness thrust Frannie into the working world at a young age to support them. Her belief in love that wasn’t, found her pregnant and unable to care for a baby, thus she did the bravest thing and gave her child up to a life that she could not provide.
Years later Frannie’s daughter finds her and wants to meet. Frannie is ashamed of her life and tells her daughter of a life that doesn’t exist. Enter Clay who is bribed to help Frannie out by his father. But Clay is so much more yet even he doesn’t know it. There was something about the way that the author described Clay that made my heart flutter. Clay is confident, caring, passionate, and a diamond in the rough.
Will Frannie and Clay be more than a transaction and will the truth hurt them or set them free?
I found Charlotte Hughes to be light hearted read that had me laughing out loud and shaking my head at the characters. I enjoyed this read and at times wished for more of the story line to be shared. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a quick funny read with a HEA.
March 30, 2016
Husband Wanted was a quick, romance read. The story began when Frannie's daughter, whom she had given up thirteen years ago, wants to visit. Unfortunately, Frannie had lied to her daughter about her life. Now, she needed to find someone to pretend as her husband just for a few days until her daughter returned home.
I fell in love with the book's blurbs right away. I love humorous romance read and I was in the mood for something quick, fun read. Husband Wanted starts great. I like the author's easygoing writing style.The premise sounds interesting, but some of the scenes were a bit unreal. The book was fun, but I thought that the characters are lacking in depth. The relationship between Frannie and Clay move on too quickly. There were a few twists towards the end that I enjoyed, but the hasty ending disappointed me.
This book was definitely great if you're looking for something light, fun, romantic read. I do enjoy reading Husband Wanted, but I thought the storyline and the romance part could be better.
I received a copy of this book from the Netgalley & Victory Editing in exchange for my review.
I fell in love with the book's blurbs right away. I love humorous romance read and I was in the mood for something quick, fun read. Husband Wanted starts great. I like the author's easygoing writing style.The premise sounds interesting, but some of the scenes were a bit unreal. The book was fun, but I thought that the characters are lacking in depth. The relationship between Frannie and Clay move on too quickly. There were a few twists towards the end that I enjoyed, but the hasty ending disappointed me.
This book was definitely great if you're looking for something light, fun, romantic read. I do enjoy reading Husband Wanted, but I thought the storyline and the romance part could be better.
I received a copy of this book from the Netgalley & Victory Editing in exchange for my review.
April 13, 2016
Frannie Brisbane was 17 when she gave her daughter up for adoption. Frannie's mother was scaring for her sick mother and could not take care of a baby as well.Thirteen years later her daughter, Mandy, contacts her and wants to meet her. Mandy has had a very good life and her adoptive father works for the state department. Frannie had lied to her daughter and told her she is married to a great man, lives in a very nice house and has servants. She wanted her daughter to be proud of her. She has not idea how to get out of the mess. As she discussed it with her friends at the restaurant where she work, Mr. Coleman the town's wealthy resident overhears her discussion and offers to let her use his house. He also talks his son into going along with the plan. When Mandy comes to visit it is clear that she does not hold any hard feelings toward Frannie. As they get to know each other not only does Mandy find out that Frannie did not tell the truth about her current life but Mandy also has some secrets of her own.
January 6, 2016
This story was a lot fun and is very hopeful as far as getting the life you want goes, but it only earned three stars from me for a few reasons. The first being spelling and grammar mistakes throughout the book. It always disappoints me when I know an author has proofread and so has editors and publishers and so many mistakes sneak by. Definite pet peeve of mine. Second, the story was quite light while dealing with a fairly intense topic and the character build and background wasn't the greatest. I didn't feel with the characters and I wasn't left wondering what was next for them as I turned the pages. Just when the story was getting to the best part nearing the end, the author cut out legal things and really whitewashed the situation, which I think could have really been used as a relatable moment. Happy I had the opportunity to read this. If you're looking for a book that you don't have to think about then this will be a great rainy day read!
February 19, 2016
Thirteen years ago Frannie gave her newborn up for adoption. Now her daughter Mandie has found her and wants to come visit. Since Frannie had lied in her letters to Mandie, she must now look like she has a successful life with a husband. That’s when Walter Coleman, a steady customer from her waitressing job, steps in. Not only does he offer his mansion for the ruse, but he also talks his son Clay into pretending to be Frannie’s husband. But once the farce begins, so does the heat between Frannie and Clay.
Although the plot is predictable, it doesn’t take anything away from the story. It was a fun, lighthearted read. I loved all the quirky axioms that Frannie was always saying. They were totally representative of her character. The chemistry between Frannie and Clay had me turning the pages as fast as I could. I like the writing style of this author, and will definitely read more of her books.
Although the plot is predictable, it doesn’t take anything away from the story. It was a fun, lighthearted read. I loved all the quirky axioms that Frannie was always saying. They were totally representative of her character. The chemistry between Frannie and Clay had me turning the pages as fast as I could. I like the writing style of this author, and will definitely read more of her books.
February 25, 2016
I received a copy from NetGalley and Victory Editing in exchange for an honest review.
This book left me cringing most of the way through. I kept expecting more, but was sorely disappointed. The characters lack any real depth and the entire situation just seems completely ridiculous. When I read a book like this, I want to feel the chemistry between the characters and sympathize with their situation. Frannie and Clay just couldn't produce that. Besides that, I can't understand how any real person would lie to the daughter she gave up at birth when that daughter tracks her down. It's obvious if a child is tracking down a birth parent there is some interest in meeting face to face, so why would you lie about who you are and how you live knowing full well it will backfire. The whole story just wasn't that believable.
This book left me cringing most of the way through. I kept expecting more, but was sorely disappointed. The characters lack any real depth and the entire situation just seems completely ridiculous. When I read a book like this, I want to feel the chemistry between the characters and sympathize with their situation. Frannie and Clay just couldn't produce that. Besides that, I can't understand how any real person would lie to the daughter she gave up at birth when that daughter tracks her down. It's obvious if a child is tracking down a birth parent there is some interest in meeting face to face, so why would you lie about who you are and how you live knowing full well it will backfire. The whole story just wasn't that believable.
March 11, 2016
This is a great book by Charlotte Hughes. Frannie Brisband gave up a daughter thirteen years ago, but has been exchanging letters with her. When she finds out that her daughter wants to visit her, Frannie realizes that she will not be able to keep up with the lies she has been telling her daughter about her life. However, her friends rally around her and help her. The confirmed bachelor, Clay Coleman, as ulterior motives when he agrees to play the role of her loving husband. If you are looking for a fun romance, that will keep you reading way past your bed time, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this great series.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
March 13, 2016
What I liked: I really enjoyed Husband Wanted, both times I read it. It’s a sweet romance with low steam and low drama. It’s just a fun read to while away the afternoon.
While I really liked Fannie and Mandy, my favorite character was Clay. He shows the most character development, plus he’s just fun and relaxed.
What I didn’t like: Nothing really, it’s been updated so it’s contemporary yet it still feels classic.
More…
Author: Charlotte Hughes
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Publisher & Date: Indie February 24th 2016 (first published by Harlequin Loveswept March 1995)
Genre: Contemproary Romance
ISBN: 0553444956 (ISBN13: 9780553444957)
Pages: 151
Grade: A
Ages: 16+
Steam: Adult | Two short steamy sections. Fairly low graphicness.
Setting: Georgia
While I really liked Fannie and Mandy, my favorite character was Clay. He shows the most character development, plus he’s just fun and relaxed.
What I didn’t like: Nothing really, it’s been updated so it’s contemporary yet it still feels classic.
More…
Author: Charlotte Hughes
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Publisher & Date: Indie February 24th 2016 (first published by Harlequin Loveswept March 1995)
Genre: Contemproary Romance
ISBN: 0553444956 (ISBN13: 9780553444957)
Pages: 151
Grade: A
Ages: 16+
Steam: Adult | Two short steamy sections. Fairly low graphicness.
Setting: Georgia
January 8, 2016
Another winner by Ms. Hughes. This is a sweet romance that brought a smile to my face. In it, Frannie gave up her daughter for adoption. It broke her heart, but it was the best choice for her daughter. Years later, when the girl starts writing to Frannie, Frannie tells her lies about her (Frannie's) life. When suddenly faced with the daughter's visit, Frannie doesn't know what to do. When Cole enters to help her, the lies only become more complicated. While the plot is predictable, the novel is so well told that I just didn't care - I just enjoyed the book.
If you are looking for a charming romance with a HEA, you will love this book.
If you are looking for a charming romance with a HEA, you will love this book.
February 25, 2016
When I began to read I was reminded of the movie Pocketful of Miracles…just a bit. The group at the diner Frannie works at comes to her rescue when a serious situation develops. The idea that community and friends can be there for one another is a nice sentiment. This short sweet story was originally published in 1995 under the Loveswept banner and has the clothing, prices, and feels of that time period or perhaps even a bit earlier. Life was different then and so was the writing. There is sex but it is a much tamer type than many books being currently written.
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the copy to read and review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the copy to read and review.
May 28, 2016
This was a sweet & quick read that I really enjoyed. It told the story of Frannie reconnecting with her daughter Mandy that she had given up for adoption at her birth. This story is much like my own so it was even more personal to read. It was so heartwarming to see the HEA but I did feel that some of the intense emotions that occur with this situation were over simplified.
For such a short book the characters had a lot of depth & the author included a great deal of backstory which really added to the entire storyline.
All in all a good read. I will be checking out more by Charlotte Hughes
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
For such a short book the characters had a lot of depth & the author included a great deal of backstory which really added to the entire storyline.
All in all a good read. I will be checking out more by Charlotte Hughes
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 29, 2016
This book keep me interests from the beginning wondering what was going to happen next. We have Frannie who was a teenage mother her gave her child away for a better life. When Frannie does everything in her power to make her life so much better she then hears from her 13 year old daughter. So she lied and has to come up with a plan. In walks Walter and his son Clay that get conned by his dad. But in the end will everyone be able to take back all of the lies that has been told along this journey and live happy lives that they have all deserved along the way?
March 20, 2016
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I honestly had no idea what this book was about before I started reading it. I liked the look of the front cover and the title and I was already hooked. The author writes brilliantly with everything being so easy to imagine due to the amazing detail. I really enjoyed reading this book because I am a sucker for a happy ending and love so it really appealed to me a lot. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a heart warming and entertaining read.
I honestly had no idea what this book was about before I started reading it. I liked the look of the front cover and the title and I was already hooked. The author writes brilliantly with everything being so easy to imagine due to the amazing detail. I really enjoyed reading this book because I am a sucker for a happy ending and love so it really appealed to me a lot. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a heart warming and entertaining read.
May 6, 2016
I read a wide variety of genres but one thing has to be part of any read: characters who are fleshed out and who develop across the plot. I was displeased with this read as I found the characters to feel fake, almost cardboard, with emotions that made no sense and reactions that made me quirk a brow more than once. There wasn't anything else to pick it up enough for me to continue reading as it felt like I was being told instead of shown what was going on. Sadly, this is a DNF for me. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 19, 2016
I was given an ARC of Husband Wanted for an honest review and this is my review.
This was a cute, funny and sweet romantic book that I really enjoyed. It was a very short book so it was a fast read and I really enjoyed all the characters. I was really surprised how developed they were with how short the book was. Mandy the daughter was a blast to read about and I loved Frannie and Clay as a couple.
I an giving Husband Wanted four out of five stars.
This was a cute, funny and sweet romantic book that I really enjoyed. It was a very short book so it was a fast read and I really enjoyed all the characters. I was really surprised how developed they were with how short the book was. Mandy the daughter was a blast to read about and I loved Frannie and Clay as a couple.
I an giving Husband Wanted four out of five stars.
February 25, 2016
Was this written by a 90 year old woman?!?
Sizzle factor: -3
No cursing. No sex scenes. And after spending hardly any time together they fall in love? This book could be read by a 12 year old. That's how tame it is. The language in the book made me think it was written by a little old lady. The only old fashioned term missing was "young whippersnapper"
Obviously I didn't enjoy this story at all. I'm clueless as to why it was even recommended to me.
Sizzle factor: -3
No cursing. No sex scenes. And after spending hardly any time together they fall in love? This book could be read by a 12 year old. That's how tame it is. The language in the book made me think it was written by a little old lady. The only old fashioned term missing was "young whippersnapper"
Obviously I didn't enjoy this story at all. I'm clueless as to why it was even recommended to me.
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